For several months, Israeli far-right groups have been trying to block humanitarian aid to Gaza. Last week, attacks on these trucks intensified: bags of rice or flour were emptied and thrown to the ground, drivers were manhandled, two trucks were even set on fire. Faced with the rise in violence, the movement “ Standing Together » launched his first action which he called the “Humanitarian Guard”.
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From our correspondent in Tel Aviv, Sharon Aronowicz
A truck loaded with food leaves towards Gaza. Blow his horn and smile big as a sign of support, he greets the peace activists along the way.
There are several dozen of them, determined to protect humanitarian convoys, explains Uri Weltmann. “ The objective of this action is to prevent these far-right groups from attacking humanitarian convoys. We are also here to document and force the police and soldiers who are on site to do the minimum of what is asked of them: protect these convoys. “.
Read alsoIsrael: settlers attack trucks carrying aid to Gaza
The group is stationed in front of the checkpoint from Tarkamiya, this is where trucks pass from the occupied West Bank to Israel before reaching Gaza. But it was a few kilometers further that the settlers acted that day, a first truck was attacked. Bags of food are scattered on the ground and cardboard boxes torn open.
Listen to what @omdimbeyachad activists achieved today – seeing off the settlers and making sure aid gets to Gaza. https://t.co/EadmbmMHh4
— 🟣 Standing Together UK 🟣 עומדים ביחד 🟣 نقف معًا (@omdimbeyachadUK) May 19, 2024
Immediately on site, the activists recovered what was still intact, under the gaze of the police and the insults of a dozen young Israeli settlers: “ Get out of here, you gauchos! Dirty traitor ! »
But for Suf, a 32-year-old peace activist, it remains a victory. “ The settlers managed to knock some of the aid off the truck, but we arrived quickly so very little food was lost or damaged “.
Once all the food has been collected, the activists load a new truck, with the hope that this time it will reach Gaza safely.
Read alsoHumanitarian aid in Gaza: “The major difficulty concerns distribution once in the enclave”